The FULL VOICE Podcast with Nikki Loney

The FULL VOICE Podcast with Nikki Loney

The FULL VOICE podcast shares modern teaching tips, vocal pedagogy, business best practices for voice professionals.


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Latest Episode

221 | Opera for Young Singers with Kimberley Wolfenbarger-Nakamoto

Many young singers decide they don't like opera or classical music before they've ever heard it. Kimberley Wolfenbarger-Nakamoto is working to change that. Kimberley, a voice teacher and founder of the Youth Opera of El Paso, tells Nikki how the company began, how its outreach brings children's opera to young audiences, and how they make room for singers of every age, from five-year-olds to teens. She also shares why music written well for young voices matters, and how giving kids a real place on stage builds a love of opera in the next generation. Featured music: "Searching the Painted Sky" (10th Anniversary Production, 2024-2025), music by Martha Hill Duncan, libretto by Janet Windeler Ryan Timestamps 12:25 Asking kids if they know what an opera is 14:31 Why there isn't enough good music for young voices 18:36 "They breathe, don't they?" Myths about teaching children 20:40 Rehearsing five-year-olds and teens in the same production 27:13 Giving every child a moment, and why two-part harmony works 31:40 Listen: Searching the Painted Sky 34:05 When the music is right, students remember it for years 43:44 What's next, and a call to composers About Kimberley Wolfenbarger Nakamoto Artistic Director, Youth Opera of El Paso | Children's Opera Kimberley Wolfenbarger Nakamoto is Artistic Director of the Youth Opera of El Paso, co-founder of Young People's Musical Theatre, and past co-chair of Children's Opera for the National Opera Association. She music-directed the world premiere of Searching the Painted Sky in New York and its Canadian premiere in Toronto, and has prepared children's choruses for El Paso Opera, the El Paso Symphony and Carnegie Hall. Website: yoep.org The FULL VOICE Podcast is for voice teachers who want practical ideas for their teaching and their studio business. Visit our website: www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/221 Hosted by Nikki Loney. Edited and theme music by Shawn Trotter. Released October 30, 2026. Offers, discounts, and promotions mentioned in this episode may be time-sensitive and no longer available at the time of listening.

About The FULL VOICE Podcast with Nikki Loney

Sharing inspiring interviews with music educators from around the world, the FULL VOICE Podcast shares pedagogy, business strategies, and best practices for your voice studio. Access more episodes, subscribe, and learn more.